- विज्ञापन -
Delhi: The supreme court of India on Thursday questioned the Punjab government authorities over its insufficient efforts to tackle the health situation of farmers’ leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal, who is on a fast-unto-death for over 24 days and was felt unconscious this afternoon.
The top court asked Punjab authorities to ensure immediate medical assistance for Dallewal, the convener of the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (Non-Political) who has been on a fast-unto-death at the Khanouri border, without forcing him to break his fast.
A bench of justice Surya Kant and Ujwala Bhuyan gave the example of Indian human rights activist Irom Sharmila, who went on a 16-year hunger strike for the abolition of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958 in Manipur.
The judge wanted to imply that a hunger strike can continue under medical supervision, without eating or drinking anything.
During the hearing, Punjab Advocate General Gurminder Singh informed the apex court that despite some initial resistance to medical help from the farmers’ side, senior officials of Punjab had a meeting with Dallewal.
Singh said that about 100-200 metres away from the protest site a place called ‘Haveli’ has been converted into a hospital, which can provide all necessary facilities and ensure provision of requisite medical assistance to Dallewal.
The bench, however, queried as to how such a make-shift hospital can be sufficient and whether the state authorities are in a position to take Dallewal there.
“We first want him to be provided medical aid. Why is that priority being overlooked? We want to know about his health condition and all health parameters. That can only be after he is subjected to certain tests. Nobody should take us for granted. You people are saying this is alright, not the medical doctors. Doctors say he is refusing tests,” Justice Kant told Singh.
Singh also informed the bench that Dallewal is desirous of interacting with the bench directly (through virtual mode), to this, Justice Kant said that the court is open to such interaction once he recovers and is of sound health.
The top court posted the matter for Friday at 12.30 pm.
